Pennsylvania Republican state Representative Aaron Bernstine attempted to criticize Noodles & Co., which had a gender neutral bathroom in its establishment.
Bernstine posted to Facebook with staunch criticism of the noodle chain.
You can see his post here:
[facebook https://www.facebook.com/AaronForStateRep/posts/3754246558037838?__tn__=%2CO*F expand=1]But folks were not ready to take any sort of parenting advice from Bernstine.
You can see local news coverage of the backlash here:
The Pennsylvania Republican actually had fellow GOP lawmakers call on him to resign last year after photos showed his underage child smoking a cigar with apparent permission from his father.
Bernstine failed to get the support he sought with his post.
Aaron Bernstine for State Representative/Facebook
Aaron Bernstine for State Representative/Facebook
Aaron Bernstine for State Representative/Facebook
Aaron Bernstine for State Representative/Facebook
The CFO of Noodles & Co., Carl Lukach, is a gay married man with children.
He responded to Bernstine's comments.
"We welcome team members and guests from all walks of life...so I feel like this is a very unique core competency of the business, and quite frankly, a driver for talent."
Aaron Bernstine for State Representative/Facebook
Aaron Bernstine for State Representative/Facebook
Aaron Bernstine for State Representative/Facebook
Aaron Bernstine for State Representative/Facebook
The GOP agenda in Pennsylvania over the past year has focused on fighting against education on racism in the United States and "election fraud," meanwhile ignoring or trying to undermine pandemic protocols.
So it is not outside the realm of expectation Bernstine would attempt to make a big deal out of a normal bathroom in a fast-casual chain restaurant.
Almost everyone's home bathroom is gender neutral, after all.
Aaron Bernstine for State Representative/Facebook
Aaron Bernstine for State Representative/Facebook
Aaron Bernstine for State Representative/Facebook
In a post-pandemic economy, it seems more pertinent politicians focus on the quality of life for their constituents rather than who gets to pee where.